Society is about to "Boom" and I retired last August. Some seek retirement early, others put it off as long as possible. A basic question can be asked again. Who am I? And what kind of a world am I in.This blog will encourage individuals to explore the idea that "its more than just about the money". Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings

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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Leisure and Retirement Activities [i ii ]

On Monday afternoon, June 13, I picked up my phone and was notified by the Psychology Department secretary that one of our regular faculty members is ill and would not be able to teach her Intro Psych course on Tuesday afternoon. I was asked if I would like to substitute and teach the session for her.After a moments thought I agreed. It’s not so much that I miss classes taught in the summer; rather it gives me a chance to discuss some ideas about consciousness and body rhythms with students in their first psychology class.For me it was a leisure activity that also confirms that while I don’t normally teach in the summer, I am still an employee at Kwantlen until the end of August.

I wish to discuss this activity in the context of the two research articles related to leisure activity listed at the bottom of the blog entry that will be posted on Wednesday after I have taught the class.

First, I will make a few comments about the two articles. To set the stage Jopp and Heertzog state, “Preferences for and execution of specific activities are important features of everyday life.” This would explain, in part, my choice to take advantage of this teaching opportunity. I have already stated in previous blog entries, my goal of taking workshops in to the community as a form of continued teaching. I enjoy designing and presenting workshops.

On tuesday I spent the entire morning preparing for the lecture.As the hour approached I shaved, and put on my best clothes with white shirt and tie. It was like I was going to a “performance.” Interestingly the class was in the same classroom where I have been teaching my aging class. The broad lecture topiccame from the textbook about body rhythms and mental states.

While there were interesting sub topics like drug use and dreams, I decided to focus on sleep rhythms and consequences for students who spend “all nighters” cramming for their exams the next day. It is found that this impacts on performance and alertness. The class went easily for the first hour and a half. Then we took a 10-minute break.About half the class returned for the last hour. At the end there was some were clapping.

I walked down the hall feeling good but with no interest in returning to regular work.The amount of time I spent preparing for the class was about the same amount of time it takes me to finish some of the more complex drawings I am doing as an explicit leisure activity.

In their articleDorfman and Kolarik assert,“For many professors, the distinction between ‘work’ and ‘leisure’ is often blurred” (I think that’s what happened yesterday.)Further more, “it is important to keep in mind that leisure activity is self-defined and it is the actors themselves who determine what the meaning of leisure is for them.”

The researchers indicated that among retired professors “…volunteer activities were the most frequently reported.”Ok on that one; I am a volunteer board member at the local seniors’ recreation centre.Retired professors reported participation in exercise and sports activities. For instance a 70-year-old retired male music professor said “I wanted to get my body in shape. I started taking a weight lifting class and started doing yoga… And I’m walking more than I had time to do before.”

It is cited that “Although a large majority of retired professors engaged in activities that are traditionally associated with leisure, nearly as many continued professional activities in retirement including research or other creative work…Professional work thus remained a central interest…”I consider my retirement blog as a professional activity.

4 comments:

Good comment! My passion is expressed through the blog. If I were to look at it through a particular model it would be that all my life, starting as a first born, I have been a "helper".Some times I have to push a bit and as far as embracing life, I spend as much of the time preparing for new blog posts as I did in my teaching activities. I believe that my life is full-filled by my activities in experiencing the here and now developed by an increasing experience of meditation. Again it is nice to get some feedback. Feel free to say moreSincerelyLary

It would be better if you include your passion on your retirement activities. It is what gives you more energy. When you love what you do and you do it without pushing yourself, you embrace life more and enjoy it to the fullest.

Art With Wrinkles

Retirement Workshop

This workshop is designed for persons who are considering retirement or have already retired.While financial security is critical for retirement satisfaction and success, identity and social relationships are equally important. Retirement affects people differently. On the positive side it can mean new goals, interests, and activities. On the other end it can mean heavy stress, physical deterioration and depression.

This four-hour workshop helps participants explore attitudes and feelings about the social aspects of retirement. I am looking for organizations, either businesses or not for profit organizations that would like to sponsor this workshop.

About Me

I am a 74-year-old academic who resisted mandatory retirement for three years until the government decided to give human rights to people over the age of 65.
Over the last ten years my special interest has been aging and society. I have designed a course, Aging, which explores social relationships in later adulthood. I also conducted research on ageism in British Columbia.
This blog has been created with the assumption that while having a sufficient source of continuing income is needed, family connections, community and social involvement are equally important for a successful retirement.
This blog gives others a chance to share their stories.